May, Updates, Scans and Birthdays

I wish I had more time to come and just write on my blog, to tell a nice story layout, but there is always just so much to do. My house is a wreck (to me) so once I finish this post, off to "work" I go. I just wanted to update on Ivee's scans and reports from last week.  So, here are the details.

Eating  and Nutrition- For the month of April, Ivee was beginning to take in 4 to 6 ozs of thick soft foods by mouth. She has done well, not much coughing, but she has backed off since her allergies have kicked in this season. So, the last week or so, she has not been wanting to eat. We are trying to get her allergies and congestion cleared up so she can continue to progress! We will be getting Ivee a Modified Barium Swallow Study. It has been 2 years since Ivee’s last. She might be aspirating a bit with her eating. 

MRI - MRI revealed no sign of recurrent disease, so she's still a NERD! Yay!  She still has a large edema on the back of the head under incision site. It is still causing some compression on the spinal cord.  MRI also revealed what may be some inflammation on the spinal cord, but the radiologist did make note that the contrast dye used may have been more concentrated than last MRI. Dr. Merchant is impressed with her progression. He couldn't say enough how good she looks. 

Endocrinology – Hormone levels were good except for the nutrition hormone number. They Suggested a Growth Hormone Stem Test be done. Ivee’s bone scan in January did reveal Ivee had the bones of a three year old.

Audiology- Ivee's hearing hasn't changed for the worse or better in two years. Her hearing reveals damage in both ears, dropping off significantly after 2000 hertz. Due to the lose, she cannot hear the f,s, or th sounds and the blending and ending sounds of words. Suggestion is to have both ears fitted for hearing aids. This, perhaps, is the reason she has had difficulty in kindergarten with language. Emmett and I will observe her over the summer and make a decision on whether to move her forward to 1st grade.

PT, OT, and Hippotherapy- Both were impressed with her development. Had her fitted for new braces for her feet ankles. Hippotherapy has made all the difference with Ivee lately. She is taking some independent steps now, and she is more stable and she is stronger! I can't believe how much it has helped in just 6 months.

Eye clinic- We tested her eye sight yesterday. Significant Improvement in right eye after patching everyday for 3 to 4 hours for 3 months! NOW we will maintenance patch three days a week for 2 to 3 hours.

I know that all sounds very clinical, but it really is. These are some of the notes I shared with her doctor. She will return to Memphis in 12 weeks for another round of testing. 

MAY 8th my baby girl will be 6 years old, and do I feel EXTREMELY blessed!!!!! She can't wait for her party! And I love that I still have a little one to make cakes and parties for! 

The kids will be out of school soon, and I am ready for us all not to have to worry about school! My Brittney will be a Junior next year, Ethan will be a middle schooler, and Ivee will be back in elementary school, hopefully as a 1st grader! Everyone is growing up and moving on, whether momma likes it or not!